Your golden years are meant to be spent on the deck of a cruise ship sipping a martini or reading to your grandchildren.
But now, as you research electricity plans and try to understand the Texas Electricity Senior Discount, you feel like retirement isn’t all it was cracked up to be. You’ve got a headache from your computer when all you wanted was to make sure you had the best deal on electricity.
Overview: Enrolling and Qualifying for Senior Discounts in Texas
This guide will outline which Texas Retail Electric Providers offer electricity senior discounts in Texas, how to find out if you’re eligible and more.
Click on a section to skip directly to it:

Do Seniors Get A Discount On Electricity?
If you’re wondering, “Do seniors get discounts on electricity?” The simple answer is yes.
Generally speaking, there are many programs that offer electricity senior discounts in Texas.
From cash grants to free home energy repairs and services, there are many ways seniors can save when it comes to electricity.
How To Find Out If You Are Eligible For Senior Discounts in Texas On Electric Bill
The first thing to know is that being “eligible” for a senior citizen discount for electricity will depend on which program you are applying to.
Eligibility requirements typically include:
- Age
- Annual household income
There are a number of state-funded discounts and REP programs that vary in their eligibility terms.
The good thing is that finding out if you are eligible is often pretty simple.
Many income requirements are based on federal poverty guidelines. They can depend on monthly income and how many members are in the household.
As long as you are:
- Willing to fill out a few application forms
- Provide proof of age and income
You are one step closer to getting you or your loved one the electricity senior discount they deserve.
Taking Advantage of Utility Discounts for Seniors: 3 Programs That Offer An Electricity Bill Discount For Senior Citizens
We’ll introduce you to three programs that are available to you as a Texas citizen and that offer electricity senior discounts.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program are two of those programs.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs contracts with local agencies to provide bill payment assistance under both programs.
To qualify for either of these programs in Texas, household income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline.
It’s important to note that both the LIHEAP and Weatherization Assistance Programs are not entitlement programs, and access is limited by funding.
The LIHEAP and weatherization programs are available in each of the 254 Texas counties.
Program 1: Weatherization Assistance Program
This program helps you conserve energy and lower your energy bills by providing free home energy repairs and services.
Discover the best electricity rates.
Power Wizard finds you the best electricity plan and ensures you won’t overpay for electricity again.
Learn More in Under 2 MinsYou can get help with insulation of:
- Doors
- Windows
- Floors
- Walls
- Ducts
- Water heaters
Other repairs and services include:
- Caulking
- Weatherstripping
- Emergency repair of air conditioners and furnaces
- Replacement of high-efficiency window air conditioners, high-efficiency lighting, and refrigerators
You can also get help modifying your furnace and other heating devices to help them work better.
You or your loved one may benefit from this program at no cost.
How To Enroll
It is important to note that weatherization funds are very limited in deregulated service areas.
You can locate the weatherization assistance program agencies that serve your area by:
- Calling toll free (888) 606-8889
- Or find more information online
Program 2: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The LIHEAP program provides your household with an annual cash grant to help you meet your:
- Home heating and cooling costs
- Bill payment assistance
- Energy crisis assistance
- Weatherization
- Energy-related home repairs
The grants are paid either directly to you or to your energy company.
Grants can be used for:
- Attic insulation
- Floors
- Exposed water pipes
- The tune-up, repair, or replacement of heating units or air conditioners in your home
How To Enroll
In order to determine your eligibility and qualify for the LIHEAP program, you must need financial assistance for home energy costs.
Additionally, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is less than or equal to the following amounts:
Annual Household Income Limits (before taxes)
Household Size | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
---|---|
1 | $18,735 |
2 | $25,365 |
3 | $31,995 |
4 | $38,625 |
5 | $45,255 |
6 | $51,885 |
7 | $58,515 |
8 | $65,145 |
If you’re looking to find out if you or your loved one might be eligible, you’ll need to contact Texas’ state office.
The Texas LIHEAP office contact is Mr. Michael DeYoung, Community Affairs Director for the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs.
You can reach Mr. DeYoung by:
- Phone: (512) 475-3951
- Fax: (512) 475-3935
- E-mail: michael.deyoung@tdhca.state.tx.us
Program 3: Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is a utility assistance program designed to assist low-income elderly and/or disabled households in meeting their immediate energy needs.
The goal is to provide relief to the high cost of energy for home heating and cooling from fluctuations in energy costs by providing financial assistance.
It also provides assistance:
- In an energy-related crisis
- During severe weather
- During supply shortages
A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the…
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
…may be automatically eligible.
Discover the best electricity rates.
Power Wizard finds you the best electricity plan and ensures you won’t overpay for electricity again.
Learn More in Under 2 MinsHow To Enroll
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must:
- Be a resident of the state of Texas
- Have an annual household income (before taxes) that is less than or equal to the following amounts:
Household Size | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
---|---|
1 | $18,735 |
2 | $25,365 |
3 | $31,995 |
4 | $38,625 |
5 | $45,255 |
6 | $51,885 |
7 | $58,515 |
8 | $65,145 |
In order to apply, you will need to get in contact with your local subrecipient agency.
To do that, you have two options:
- From a landline, call toll-free at 1-877-399-8939 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The toll-free number will directly connect you with the CEAP service provider in your county.
- Visit the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and select “Utility Bill Payment Help.”
Other Electricity Senior Discount Programs
Some regulated and municipal electric providers waive fees or provide other discounts to senior and low-income customers.
A few providers who offer discounts include:
- Austin Energy
- El Paso Electric
- Entergy Gulf States
You can always ask your electricity provider if you are eligible for any special programs.
But remember, you don’t need to switch or sign up with a new REP to reap the benefits of senior electricity discounts.
Depending of where to you live, you could have the power to switch to a better and cheaper electricity company.

3 REPs That Offer An Electricity Discount For Seniors
There are a number of retail electric providers (REPs) in Texas that offer electricity discounts for seniors.
The first step to enrolling in or applying for one of these REPs programs is to be a customer of that REP.
Now first things first, why do you even have the choice of what REP you want to do business with?
Deregulation in Texas was introduced via the passing of Senate Bill 7 back in 2002, and because of it, you have the ability to:
- Shop for the best electricity rate in your area
- Compare different REPs
- Choose a plan based on your specific energy needs
- Take advantage of incentivized offers
- Switch providers and plans at any time
- Most importantly, save money
Deregulation allows Retail Electricity Providers (REPs) to offer various rates, plan types, and different levels of flexibility to consumers like you.
Now, most Texas cities have retail electric choice (thanks to deregulation), but there are some cities and areas in Texas that do not.
When lawmakers deregulated electricity in Texas in 2002, it allowed cities such as San Antonio, Austin, San Marcos, and El Paso — as well as areas served by electric cooperatives — to remain regulated markets with a single provider.
So be sure that the REP you’re looking into services the area of Texas that you call home.
Let’s take a look at a few Texas REPs that offer programs or electricity senior discounts for eligible customers.
REP #1: Austin Energy
Customers on low or fixed incomes who participate in a certain state, federal, or local assistance programs can benefit from the City of Austin’s Customer Assistance Programs (CAP) utility discounts.
CAP Utility Bill Discounts can help reduce utility bills by an average of $650 a year.
Discover the best electricity rates.
Power Wizard finds you the best electricity plan and ensures you won’t overpay for electricity again.
Learn More in Under 2 MinsWhat Does The Discount Provide?
The CAP program provides you with discounts on your monthly electric and water bills if you receive certain other assistance programs.
If you qualify, you may be eligible for the following waivers and discounts:
- Electric Service Customer Charge waiver
- Discount on your total electrical usage
- Discount on your Community Benefit Charges
- Water Service Customer Charge waiver
- Water Tiered Fixed Charge waiver
- Water Volume Charge discount
- Wastewater Service Customer Charge waiver
- Wastewater Volume Charge Discount
- Drainage Fee 50% discount
How To Know If You Are Eligible For An Electricity Senior Discount With Austin Energy
You may be eligible if you or someone in your household participates in one of these programs:
- Medicaid Program
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Telephone Lifeline Program
- Travis County Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
- Medical Access Program (MAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
You may also be eligible for the program if your household income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
How To Apply
In order to apply, you’ll need to:
- Print the application.
- Complete the application (include documentation of participation in one of the above programs) and send it to: City of Austin Utilities – Customer Care Contact Center – Customer Assistance Programs
PO Box 848
Killeen, Texas 76540-9915 - You may also fax the form to 855-319-6629 or call 855-319-6630 to request a form by mail.
REP #2: CPS Energy
CPS Energy’s discount program takes into account seniors who may be living on a fixed income.
Their Senior Citizen Billing Program allows customers additional time to pay the net amount of energy bills.
However, CPS Energy also offers another discount to eligible seniors.
Their Senior Citizen Late Payment Waiver waives any late payment fees.
What Does The Discount Provide?
If you or your loved one qualifies for the Senior Citizen Billing Program, you or they would receive 25 days, instead of the normal 16 days, to pay the monthly electricity bill.
Additionally, qualifying seniors would also be eligible to have their late payment fees waived.
How To Know If You Are Eligible For An Electricity Senior Discount With CPS Energy
To be eligible, the following conditions must be met:
- The person whose name appears on the CPS Energy account must be at least 60 years of age
- The program can only be applied to the customer’s principal residence
Residential customers of CPS Energy who meet the following requirements are eligible for the Senior Citizen Late Payment Waiver:
- Individual 60 years of age or older
- Be the person whose name is on the utility bill (customer of record)
- Income at or below 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
How To Apply
You can apply for enrollment in the Senior Citizen Billing Program by completing an online application, visiting one of CPS Energy’s customer service centers, or by calling (210) 353-2222.
To apply for the Senior Citizen Late Payment Waiver, you or your loved one just need to complete the following form.
REP #3: New Braunfels Utilities
New Braunfels Utilities offers a number of discounts to its senior customers through their Senior Citizen Billing Program.
What Does The Discount Provide?
New Braunfels Utilities offers senior customers:
- Deferred payment of utility bills
- Extended due date to 25 days after the bill issue date
- No penalty for late payment
How To Know If You Are Eligible For An Electricity Senior Discount With New Braunfels Utilities
New Braunfels Utilities offers deferred payment of utility bills to senior citizens who are of 60 years of age or older.
NBU may require a person applying for payment deferral to present reasonable proof that they are 60 years of age or older.
It is important to note that in order to be eligible, the deferral payment may be applied to the customer’s primary residence account only.
How To Apply
Eligible customers interested in the program can:
- Fill out a [Senior Citizen Billing Application](http://www.nbutexas.com/Portals/11/pdf/Senior Citizen Billing 7-09.pdf)
- Fax it to: (830) 629-2119
- Mail it to: NBU, P.O. Box 310289, New Braunfels, TX 78131-0289

Discover how to get the best electricity rates for your home in minutes!
Many of the programs we’ve shown you here have eligibility requirements and applications that must be submitted and approved before you’re able to redeem your electricity senior discount.
That can feel tedious and overwhelming.
If you’re looking for a quick, free, easy way to save some money on your electricity bill, whether you are on a fixed income or not, you can try Power Wizard. We are one-stop shop, that makes it easy and straight forward to find an affordable electricity plan that meets your needs.
More From the Power Wizard Blog
-
Affordable Electric Bill: Power Wizard’s Promise of Protection
Sarah, a proud Texan, knows that everything is bigger in Texas – including the choices when it comes to electricity providers. She’s no stranger to the complexities of deregulated energy markets. With a bustling household, she juggles work, family, and keeping the lights on. But there’s one thing Sarah doesn’t want to juggle: her electric bill. […]
View Article -
Vampire Energy: How Phantom Power Drains Your Wallet and the Environment
Imagine your home filled with silent energy sippers, lurking in the shadows, unnoticed yet constantly draining power and your wallet. Vampire energy, or phantom load, refers to the electricity electronic devices consume, even when turned off or in standby mode. These energy vampires are prevalent in every household and workplace, from the charger left plugged […]
View Article -
The Top Sources of Carbon Emissions in the U.S.
Climate change due to rising global temperature seriously threatens the natural ecosystem. It can result in erratic weather featuring intense drought, heat waves, melting ice caps, warming oceans, and increased storms when left unchecked. As the impact of climate change worsens, the risk of biodiversity loss and human extinction gets bigger. Table of Contents What […]
View Article -
California Solar Tax Credit & Incentives for Residential Rooftop Solar
Are you considering investing in residential solar panels in California? You’re not the only one. Research shows that California was ranked number one out of 50 states in 2022 for solar power generation, with more than 11 million homes powered by the sun. A major reason why solar power is popular statewide is that prices have dropped […]
View Article -
What Should You Include in an Energy Efficiency Audit?
Rising energy costs mean higher electricity bills, and for the average homeowner or business, a little savings each month can add up to extra cash at the end of the year. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption, performing a home energy audit is a great place to start. Table of […]
View Article -
How to Cancel Your Electricity Contract with Your Provider
There are many advantages to changing your electrical service, including finding a better price, switching to a company with better customer service, and finding a distributor with a green appeal. It’s easiest to end your service when a contract ends, but sometimes it makes sense to switch early. For instance, you may find that you’re […]
View Article -
How to clean your solar panels
Click on a section to skip directly to it: Why is it important to clean your solar panels?Solar panel cleaning: a step-by-step breakdownMake sure you’re saving the most on your monthly energy bill Have you considered installing a renewable energy source at your home? Power Wizard recommends trying solar energy, which accounts for 3% of […]
View Article -
How to Reduce Your Carbon Emissions
Click on a section to skip directly to it: Why is it necessary to lower carbon emissions?Steps to take to minimize your carbon emissionsReduce your carbon emissions with carbon offsets Carbon emissions refer to the measure of the impact of human activities on global warming and climate change. Every person on the planet contributes, directly […]
View Article